MASSAGE SERVICES

* These are just a few examples of different techniques that may be used in your massage service.

cupping.

Cupping is used as a myo-fascial release. The most well know MF release is foam rolling. Fascial tissue is an endless sheath of connective tissue between the skin and muscle. As we activate muscles and burn muscle energy (ATP) fascia tissue becomes sticky, and adheres to the muscle tissue preventing full range of motion and activation. In fact, every square inch of stuck or bound fascial tissue creates about 1000lbs of torque on our muscle. Foam rolling, which is considered a positive pressure (force into the muscle) is very effective in releasing bound tissue, BUT it creates micro tears in the tissue which can actually prolong the healing process of tissue. Cupping which is a negative pressure (upward suction on the muscle) yields the same release but does not create any micro tears. It actually helps to pull new blood full of nutrients to the area to help flush out stagnant blood and toxins. We use silicone cups which allow for movement of the area which can help improve range of motion and replicate the effects of heat through friction. Although there can be some tenderness after a session, it is superficial work, therefore one can workout immediately after a cupping session without compromising muscular integrity. ​

scraping technique.

Best known as Graston or Gua-shu. This technique uses either a stainless steel or jade tool to gently scrap the top layer of skin. These tools help to do two things; identify an area of restriction (area will flare red immediately), as well as help to break up scar tissue. Scare tissue occurs when there is trauma. Although exercise is good for you, building muscle is registered as "trauma" to the body and thus creates scar tissue. All muscle runs in a singular direction, but when scar tissue is created the body is trying to stabilize, so it creates a strong bond of tissue running in multiple directions (think of a spider web). When scar tissue is present, it restricts and inhibits full range of motion. So by breaking down the wrong directional fibers, we can restore full range, and promote an environment for growth of health muscle tissue.

thai massage.

Better known as "Lazy Man's Yoga". This technique involves compression and stretching. The therapist uses their own body to create pressure and torque on muscles to promote an active release. Although the stretches at times can be intense, this technique is usually relaxing, and allows the client to focus on their breathing and centering their mind. ​

deep tissue.

This is the most commonly misunderstood modality. Deep tissue simply means the therapist is working with deep fibers and layers of muscle. This does not always mean more pressure. However some larger muscle will require a "deeper" pressure to reach certain layers. Deep tissue is very beneficial for overall muscular release and balance. It is recommended that you do not workout after receiving deep tissue work since it typically takes 12-36 hours for the muscle tissue to fully recover. ​

trigger point therapy.

Trigger points are actually considered a muscular disease since trigger points in a muscle are exactly the same in every person who develops them. Trigger points are common and can lead to extreme muscular imbalances down the road. They are simply a pinpoint tight area within the muscle, usually found at the insertion, attachment, and belly of the muscle. When trigger points are present they can create "referral pain". The most commonly experienced referral pain is trigger points in the neck felt as a temple headache. When conducting a trigger point session, often times the referral pain patterns are replicated when the trigger point is pressed on. The science behind this therapy is to apply an adequate amount of pressure for a short period of time to promote the muscle to do a "reset". Think of a laptop that has a frozen screen. Once you restart the computer all the programs reset and the frozen screen is replaced.